Central New Yorkers at high risk of lung cancer have an opportunity to get free screenings on Saturday. You’re eligible if you’re between 50 and 80, are a heavy smoker, or someone who has quit within the last 15 years. A heavy smoker is defined as one pack per day for 20 years, or two packs a day for ten years. Hematology/Oncology Associates of CNY Nurse Practitioner Ann Roman says it’s critical to catch the cancer early.
“I understand they might be reluctant and be afraid to find it out, but I always say don’t bury your head in the sand because what we know we can treat as opposed to it going too long and then it may go from curable to not curable,” Roman said. “It will still be treatable. But I think that early detection means that we have a better chance of cure.”
Roman says for recent former smokers, a lung screening should be considered just another preventive test…